Changing yourself to make the breed look better?

[SisMorphine]

This is something I think about quite often, and after I read the thread with the rapper that Marty posted I figured I might as well post something.

For those of us who don't live and look "the norm" when it comes to Muffy and Buffy's squeaky clean society (ie: the lawmakers and the people who support them), are we hurting our dogs more by simply being ourselves? I mean, if people can't get passed how WE look and act personally and accept us, would they really be able to accept our dogs?

I'm talking about inner city kids who wear clothes that are too big, I'm talking punks with tattoos and piercings everywhere, I'm talking the guy who lives in a trailer and not a house, I'm talking the person with the heavy accent (southern, New York, etc), I'm talking about just about anyone out there!

Personally I fit into the punk description: tattoos, some piercings including a 10 gauge septum which NO ONE can keep their eyes off of, and some people are very rude about. Should I change myself to make the breed look better in the eye of the public? Should any of you change yourselves to make the breed look better? What suggestions do you all have as far as LITTLE things we can do daily to try to chip away at the bad rep that pit bulls (and all breeds affected by BSL) have?

[ABK]

I brought this up before & ended up getting bashed. But IMO (readying self for more bashing) yes, there are things some of us can do about our personal image that would make the breed look better. When you are walking your dog in public, cover the tats. Take out the nose ring. Pull up the baggy britches. Don't show your underwear to everyone walking by. Don't put spiked collars on your dog or walk it w/ a chain leash.

Yeah, I know y'all don't want to do it. But if we want to make our breed more palatable to JQP, we have to make ourselves more palatable too. What do you think soccer mom or office dad thinks when they see someone w/ spiked hair & a nose ring walking a pit down the street? What do you think they think when they see some one w/ baggy pants showing his underwear & his hat cocked to the side walking a bully? They think TRASH, that is what they think. They think there is a trashy person walking a trashy dog.

How do I know? B/c I hear it. Don't you all remember what the mayor of Denver said when he banned pit bulls? One of the reasons he said he did it was b/c he didn't want "those people" in his town??? Not "those dogs." It was "those people."

Heck, when I am out w/ my bulldogs I have had ppl ask my why I own such a "trashy" breed of dog. My own mother has asked me that. And when I ask them what they mean by "trash" they cite the punk & thug sterotypes I mentioned previously. So those looks obviously aren't helping our breed.

But on the flip side, what do you think they think when they see a well dressed person walking well behaved bulldog? They are impressed, that's what. How many times have we heard it on this board alone that a well-dressed "normal" looking member of this board took a well behaved bully out in public & the public had nothing but good things to say?

IMO, we might not like it, but a little thought in how we present ourselves goes a long way. Remember the old saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." And most ppl are going to look at who's holding the leash before they look at what's attached to the leash. And right or wrong, if you make a poor impression, you can expect that poor impression to stream right down the leash & land squarely on your dog.

JMHO.

(OK, I'm going to duck now...)

[Jenn]

I agree with you, and think you make an excellent point, ABK.

[BoiBoi]

I brought this up before & ended up getting bashed. But IMO (readying self for more bashing) yes, there are things some of us can do about our personal image that would make the breed look better. When you are walking your dog in public, cover the tats. Take out the nose ring. Pull up the baggy britches. Don't show your underwear to everyone walking by. Don't put spiked collars on your dog or walk it w/ a chain leash.

Yeah, I know y'all don't want to do it. But if we want to make our breed more palatable to JQP, we have to make ourselves more palatable too. What do you think soccer mom or office dad thinks when they see someone w/ spiked hair & a nose ring walking a pit down the street? What do you think they think when they see some one w/ baggy pants showing his underwear & his hat cocked to the side walking a bully? They think TRASH, that is what they think. They think there is a trashy person walking a trashy dog.

How do I know? B/c I hear it. I am not a "sterotypical" pit bull owner. Well, I am kind of red-necky, but folks don't see that when I am out. ;)

But back to the point - when I am out w/ my bulldogs I have had ppl ask my why I own such a "trashy" breed of dog. My own mother has asked me that. And when I ask them what they mean by "trash" they cite the punk & thug sterotypes I mentioned previously. So those looks obviously aren't helping our breed.

But on the flip side, what do you think they think when they see a well dressed person walking well behaved bulldog? They are impressed, that's what. How many times have we heard it on this board alone that a well-dressed "normal" looking member of this board took a well behaved bully out in public & the public had nothing but good things to say?

IMO, we might not like it, but a little thought in how we present ourselves goes a long way. Remember the old saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." And most ppl are going to look at who's holding the leash before they look at what's attached to the leash. And right or wrong, if you make a poor impression, you can expect that poor impression to stream right down the leash & land squarely on your dog.

JMHO.

(OK, I'm going to duck now...)
U know whats funny i don't fit in those sterotypes at all, im just a regular white guy atleast by the looks of me but people still like to say stupid shit about our breed of dog when they see me walking my dog. I don't think making urself look a certain way for JQP is gonna change a damn thing because nowadays everyone already has their mind set on what our breed is all about, or atleast what they think its all about. I say Fu*k em, where what u want, listen to what u want and be who u want to be, no amount of dressing up is gonna change peoples minds so i say be comfortable with who u are and shit if someone bad mouths ur dog, tie the dog up and show that person that its not the dog they should be afraid of. I'm so effing tired of people trying to make everyone happey, fu*k everyone i do what i want to make me and my family happy, one

[ABK]

U know whats funny i don't fit in those sterotypes at all, im just a regular white guy atleast by the looks of me but people still like to say stupid shit about our breed of dog when they see me walking my dog. I don't think making urself look a certain way for JQP is gonna change a damn thing because nowadays everyone already has their mind set on what our breed is all about, or atleast what they think its all about. I say Fu*k em, where what u want, listen to what u want and be who u want to be, no amount of dressing up is gonna change peoples minds so i say be comfortable with who u are and shit if someone bad mouths ur dog, tie the dog up and show that person that its not the dog they should be afraid of. I'm so effing tired of people trying to make everyone happey, fu*k everyone i do what i want to make me and my family happy, oneI fit into the white, redneck cracker sterotype. But I don't advertise it. I try to leave the muddy boots & 4x4 truck at home unless I am going to the co-op or something. Otherwise I dress well when I am out & train my bullies to behave in public.

Whether we like it or not, we & our dogs both are judged by what we look like. There are a LOT of ppl out there who have never met a pit bull & we want to make ourselves & our dogs as friendly looking & approachable as possible. If that means modifying our wardrobe a little bit when we're out & about, so be it.

If the shoe was on the other paw, your dog would do it for you.

[Diesel]

I hate to say it but Yes, you have to give up yourself when you address certain audiences.
I am a perfect example. I am a black man in a coporate job. I work with many people that are very affluent and 99% of my co workers are white men and women. One thing that I know is that based on how they view me they have perceptions. I am a dynamic person so its not a problem, LOL. I'm so damn shy.

But i think this is the real world and while peope SHOULD be able to see past any exteriors and accept you for who you are and take you as an individual its not the way people work. people look at you and have a decision made in the first 10 seconds they see you, your chance to change that perception is when you actaully speak to them. People size me up all the time, Its my job and my extreme pleasure to completely destroy the ideas they have about me at every oppertunity. With a quick wit, an extensive vocabulary, and being able to stand there and hold a solid conversation with them. Now some would say that based ont he job that i do I have to speak proper english and carry myself in a very respectful manner, others would try to call me an Oreo (you know black oin the outside white in the middle). I call myself successful. I am a chameleon, you have to be able to adapt to who is in the room. If I am standing in front of the CEO of a Fortune 100 copany giving a presentation I come off one way, if i am at home lounging with my family I am another, if i am out with the boys its another.

the same can be said for the world at large. if you want people to "take you serisously" or give you the chance to express yourself and acutally impact thier thought they need to have a level of respect for you. that means different things to different groups so like was being said in that post, he conformed his presentation method to the crowd he was amongst. would have rapped to a panel of legislators? NO, but in that setting that was the IDEAL method of banter.

If you stand in front of the people from my old neighborhood and talk proper english, it doesnt really matter what you are saying, they are going to tease you about your annunciation and the way you overly pronounce words, then get bored and walk away. you ahve to know your audience... know your peers and meet thier respect level.

its the way the world works. People that dont care what other sthink are usually not the most successful in the terms of traditional success. they have personal success but that doesnt get the bills paid.

[Diesel]

I fit into the white, redneck cracker sterotype. But I don't advertise it. I try to leave the muddy boots & 4x4 truck at home unless I am going to the co-op or something. Otherwise I dress well when I am out & train my bullies to behave in public.

Whether we like it or not, we & our dogs both are judged by what we look like. There are a LOT of ppl out there who have never met a real pit bull & we want to make ourselves & our dogs as friendly looking & approachable as possible. If that means modifying our wardrobe a little bit when where out & about, so be it.

If the shoe was on the other paw, your dog would do it for you.
exactly... when if i go out to walk the dogs and i have on a hat cocked to the side, a shirt that reaches my knees, and pants that have hte butt pockets on my calf I am advertising a certain mentality, not just a tast in clothes or appearance, thats what people dont understand. BTW, I have never in my life dressed like that. I buy clothes that fit. but the point is that if I am walking my dogs in that outfit versus a nice pair of jeans and a shirt, people are going to think night and day different things about me. people will share the sidewalk with me and my dogs in some outfits and other outfits they cross the street two blocks before we get there. the dogs are the same.. its me that changed.

[ABK]

You bring up a very good point Diesel. Just b/c one covers up their tats or pulls up their britches while they're out & about w/ their dogs doesn't mean you have to be that way when you're home chillin' w/ your buddies. No matter what clothes you wear, that's not going to change who you are on the inside.

For example, when I was in the USAF, I had to present myself a certain way while out in public b/c if I was in uniform b/c I was representing the USAF. I couldn't go about in a stained, unpressed uniform or muddy, unshined boots. I had to have my uniform clean & pressed & my boots had to be clean & shined. But at home I could wear whatever I liked. But whether in uniform or out, I was still the same person.

Same thing w/ pit bulls. We represent this breed & we shouldn't be out there presenting outselves as ragamuffins. We should be presenting the best side we can for our dogs.

When you're at home, wear what ever you wish. But when you're out & about we have to project a friendly, approachable image. If you look scary, odds are soccer mom or office dad will not only not approach you, but they'll be terrified of both you & your dog. Then an opprotunity to enage them & educate them about pit bulls will be lost.

Then all they will go on is sterotype & when time comes to vote, they will vote for BSL b/c all they will remember is the scary looking thug or punk walking a scary looking dog. :(

[Miss Conduct]

I brought this up before & ended up getting bashed. But IMO (readying self for more bashing) yes, there are things some of us can do about our personal image that would make the breed look better. When you are walking your dog in public, cover the tats. Take out the nose ring. Pull up the baggy britches. Don't show your underwear to everyone walking by. Don't put spiked collars on your dog or walk it w/ a chain leash.

A-FREAKINMEN!!

Yeah, I know y'all don't want to do it. But if we want to make our breed more palatable to JQP, we have to make ourselves more palatable too. What do you think soccer mom or office dad thinks when they see someone w/ spiked hair & a nose ring walking a pit down the street? What do you think they think when they see some one w/ baggy pants showing his underwear & his hat cocked to the side walking a bully? They think TRASH, that is what they think. They think there is a trashy person walking a trashy dog.

VERY SAD, BUT A VERY TRUE REALITY.

How do I know? B/c I hear it. Don't you all remember what the mayor of Denver said when he banned pit bulls? One of the reasons he said he did it was b/c he didn't want "those people" in his town??? Not "those dogs." It was "those people."

Heck, when I am out w/ my bulldogs I have had ppl ask my why I own such a "trashy" breed of dog. My own mother has asked me that. And when I ask them what they mean by "trash" they cite the punk & thug sterotypes I mentioned previously. So those looks obviously aren't helping our breed.

I HAVE PEOPLE ASK WHY "SUCH A SWEET GIRL LIKE ME WOULD WANT SUCH A 'VICOUS KILLER'"..... :( AND EVERYONE JUDGES, WHY ADD TO THE NEGATIVE JUDGEMENT? IF YOU THINK YOU LOOK BETTER W/YOUR UNDERWEAR HANGING OUT, THATS YOUR PEROGATIVE, LEAVE THE DOGS OUT OF IT.

But on the flip side, what do you think they think when they see a well dressed person walking well behaved bulldog? They are impressed, that's what. How many times have we heard it on this board alone that a well-dressed "normal" looking member of this board took a well behaved bully out in public & the public had nothing but good things to say?

WHENEVER I TAKE ONE OF MY BULLDOGS IN PUBLIC W/ME, I ALWAYS GET COMPLIMENTS ON MY DOGS. HELL, 90% OF THE PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT BREED MY DOG IS. WHEN I TELL THEM, THE RESPONSE I ALWAYS GET IT "ISNT HE TOO SMALL TO BE A PURE PIT?" :rolleyes:

IMO, we might not like it, but a little thought in how we present ourselves goes a long way. Remember the old saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." And most ppl are going to look at who's holding the leash before they look at what's attached to the leash. And right or wrong, if you make a poor impression, you can expect that poor impression to stream right down the leash & land squarely on your dog.

ONCE AGAIN, AMEN!! THATS A GREAT STATEMENT.... I WISH EVERYONE COULD LIVE BY THAT...

JMHO.

(OK, I'm going to duck now...)

I MAY NEED TO DUCK WITH YOU LOL

[Stillwater]

I brought this up before & ended up getting bashed. But IMO (readying self for more bashing) yes, there are things some of us can do about our personal image that would make the breed look better. When you are walking your dog in public, cover the tats. Take out the nose ring. Pull up the baggy britches. Don't show your underwear to everyone walking by. Don't put spiked collars on your dog or walk it w/ a chain leash.

Yeah, I know y'all don't want to do it. But if we want to make our breed more palatable to JQP, we have to make ourselves more palatable too. What do you think soccer mom or office dad thinks when they see someone w/ spiked hair & a nose ring walking a pit down the street? What do you think they think when they see some one w/ baggy pants showing his underwear & his hat cocked to the side walking a bully? They think TRASH, that is what they think. They think there is a trashy person walking a trashy dog.

How do I know? B/c I hear it. Don't you all remember what the mayor of Denver said when he banned pit bulls? One of the reasons he said he did it was b/c he didn't want "those people" in his town??? Not "those dogs." It was "those people."

Heck, when I am out w/ my bulldogs I have had ppl ask my why I own such a "trashy" breed of dog. My own mother has asked me that. And when I ask them what they mean by "trash" they cite the punk & thug sterotypes I mentioned previously. So those looks obviously aren't helping our breed.

But on the flip side, what do you think they think when they see a well dressed person walking well behaved bulldog? They are impressed, that's what. How many times have we heard it on this board alone that a well-dressed "normal" looking member of this board took a well behaved bully out in public & the public had nothing but good things to say?

IMO, we might not like it, but a little thought in how we present ourselves goes a long way. Remember the old saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." And most ppl are going to look at who's holding the leash before they look at what's attached to the leash. And right or wrong, if you make a poor impression, you can expect that poor impression to stream right down the leash & land squarely on your dog.

JMHO.

(OK, I'm going to duck now...)I agree 100%. I don't see it that way, but most of the general public does. I think its wrong, but to deny that it is the case is not accepting the facts.
Its like that in everything though, not just the dogs.

[Lethalpits]

I agree to a point and disagree. Diesel's 'chameleon' post applies to me as well, but as far as me going out in free mode with no intention of impressing anyone, I will be myself regardless of what you think.

Growing up in Memphis and being a 23 year old hip hop underground producer as a hobby, I fall into a bad category when I'm out being myself. I'm a Filipino/white guy that eveeryone thinks is mexican, and I wear baggy jeans and dark colored attire as my casual wear. Not to mention the number of tattoos on my left side. No piercings tho! Oh, and I own pitbulls.

Now, on the other hand, I don't wear my casual wear to interviews, fancy resteraunts and family reunions, and alot of other places. I'll wear a nice, (very nice lol) long sleeve shirt, collared to cover neck tattoos, slacks and dress shoes. If I'm going to make an impression on someone that determines a lot for me, I 'chameleon' myself to the situation. I even talk in a different manner. Now, just like at every job I work at, after a month or so, everyone starts noticing the real me. No biggie.

As far as walking out in public with my dog, if you are the type of person to judge me and my animal of preference, so be it. If my appearance to you causes you to not give me the time of day and talk like a normal grown person to me, than I have no need for ya. Now if I'm at a UKC event, which requires shirt and tie, no problem. I can do that. But if you catch me at the park, I expect people to address me the same way as if I were in shirt and tie.

Any other way is human specific legislation lol.

[ABK]

Miss Conduct: They ask you that b/c they DO see so many of the punk or thug types w/ our dogs. We don't have enough "normal" ppl out there showing them what pit bulls are all about. So when they see a "sweet girl" w/ a "vicious killer" it just boggles their mind.


As for the pure pit comment, don't feel bad, I get that too. I have to tell ppl I own REAL pit bulls! :p


As for ducking, there is enough room under my table, you are more then welcome to join me if you have to!


Stillwater: You are right. It shouldn't be like that & most pit bull ppl aren't like that. I once saw a man who looked like Tupac's brother & JQP would have been terrified of him. But I still took the time to get to know him & he turned out to be a very nice man.

But as you said, JQP wouldn't have seen him that way. I think I read somewhere that you have 10 seconds to make a first impression on someone & if that first impression is of a scary looking punk or a thug walking a pit bull down the street, even if you are a great guy, you (& your dog) will be written off as nothing but trash. :(

[Lethalpits]

I also think it works vice versa.. if I were walking my sister's pomeranian down the street, people would probably be boggled and ask questions lol.

[ABK]

I also think it works vice versa.. if I were walking my sister's pomeranian down the street, people would probably be boggled and ask questions lol.LMAO!!! You are probably right! But that is b/c JQP would expect you to have a big, bad vicious pit bull b/c of the way you present yourself. A Pom would knock them off their rocker. :p

[Rocky H. Balboa]

I disagree with your thoughts on this ABK. I respect your person and opinion but at this particular junction, i differ in opinion dramatically. Please find my counter thoughts below.

I brought this up before & ended up getting bashed. But IMO (readying self for more bashing) yes, there are things some of us can do about our personal image that would make the breed look better. When you are walking your dog in public, cover the tats. Take out the nose ring. Pull up the baggy britches. Don't show your underwear to everyone walking by. Don't put spiked collars on your dog or walk it w/ a chain leash.
I personally believe in combating ALL types of stereotypes human animal alike. First, the way a person feels comfortable should not be determined by how others prefer them to look. Second, stereotypes are used by those that like to label people....if not by this, it will be by that...etc. It is the people that stereotype who are the issue not those comfortable in their skin. I would not like to start the notion that you MUST dress a certain way to own our breed. A person's character is much more important to me than how they look. It is much better to learn to speak/act as a lady/gentleman than to merely dress like one. There is a spanish saying that goes something like this, "Even when you dress a monkey in a suit, it remains a monkey".

Yeah, I know y'all don't want to do it. But if we want to make our breed more palatable to JQP, we have to make ourselves more palatable too. What do you think soccer mom or office dad thinks when they see someone w/ spiked hair & a nose ring walking a pit down the street? What do you think they think when they see some one w/ baggy pants showing his underwear & his hat cocked to the side walking a bully? They think TRASH, that is what they think. They think there is a trashy person walking a trashy dog.
more palatable to JQP? Truth is what is needed most. The focus must be in providing knowledgeable and correct information not dressing like you are going to a "formal". Speak intelligently and you will be deem one.

How do I know? B/c I hear it. Don't you all remember what the mayor of Denver said when he banned pit bulls? One of the reasons he said he did it was b/c he didn't want "those people" in his town??? Not "those dogs." It was "those people."
I believe he may have been talking about the drug pushing, momma raping, bank robbing, cop killing thugs assume to have bred this wonderful breed. This is a myth and we need to combat it in a straight manner.

Heck, when I am out w/ my bulldogs I have had ppl ask my why I own such a "trashy" breed of dog. My own mother has asked me that. And when I ask them what they mean by "trash" they cite the punk & thug sterotypes I mentioned previously. So those looks obviously aren't helping our breed.
Now, if you would have been dress "down" and spoke like a gentleman, i am pretty sure a little bit of their ignorance would have disappeared.

But on the flip side, what do you think they think when they see a well dressed person walking well behaved bulldog? They are impressed, that's what. How many times have we heard it on this board alone that a well-dressed "normal" looking member of this board took a well behaved bully out in public & the public had nothing but good things to say?
Yes, they may be impressed but because of how the person looks. It would have nothing to do with the dog. We need to focus on what is important. We are trying to correct stereotypes not create MORE. I can hear the new stereotypes, if the people dress like this the dogs are bad, if they dress like that then the dogs are good. You see where I am going with this? We would not be combating stereotypes just adding to them.

IMO, we might not like it, but a little thought in how we present ourselves goes a long way. Remember the old saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." And most ppl are going to look at who's holding the leash before they look at what's attached to the leash. And right or wrong, if you make a poor impression, you can expect that poor impression to stream right down the leash & land squarely on your dog.

JMHO.

(OK, I'm going to duck now...)
LOL

I do agree with what you mean but not what you are saying. We must act properly for our own benefit. We must dress like we choose to feel comfortable in our own skin. We must act like gentleman/ladies out of respect for our family, friends, and dogs.

ABK, I respect you, your opinion, and dogs regardless of what you wear.

Regards,


Rocky H.

[CB]

I think when your out with your dogs then you should make yourself look a little decent. But these people that do drugs and shit to pay for there dogs are the ones making are breed look bad. Hell i know a couple on this site that do that.

[Lethalpits]

One thing I'll never get is why clothes makes a person look big and bad! Maybe I should walk my sis' pom and my boy together, they actually get along right now lol.

[Lethalpits]

Sorry, just don't see myself reaching for the button up and khakis to go walk Max..my family would be like, 'dang where do you think your going?'

"walkin the dog!, duh!"

edit- I'd much rather reach out to those people that have a biased opinion on sight and speak to them, show them how non agressive my dog is, as well as myself, and what not. May not change their perception, but its better than being fake about it.

[Diesel]

Sorry, just don't see myself reaching for the button up and khakis to go walk Max..my family would be like, 'dang where do you think your going?'

"walkin the dog!, duh!"

edit- I'd much rather reach out to those people that have a biased opinion on sight and speak to them, show them how non agressive my dog is, as well as myself, and what not. May not change their perception, but its better than being fake about it.
why does it have to be "being fake"?
Why is it that carrying yourself in a way to respect those that you are amongst is looked at like selling out?

I disagree with that. there is a time and a place for everything, most clubs these days are dress to impress, i know dudes that have 3 nice outfits, one for church, one for court, and one for job interviews. that tells me that they can recognize that there are times when you cant "be you" there are times where you need to respect where you are going to be as well as who else will be there. Is it selling out to put on slacks and a tie to get a job?

[ABK]

Hi Rocky. I will try to address all your comments as best I can. here goes ...

I personally believe in combating ALL types of stereotypes human animal alike. First, the way a person feels comfortable should not be determined by how others prefer them to look.

I believe in combating all sterotypes as well. But the fact is whether we support them or not they still exist & how one presents themselves will still continue to be a factor by which they are initally judged.

Second, stereotypes are used by those that like to label people....if not by this, it will be by that...etc.

Sterotypes are indeed used by folks who like to label ppl. And that is 99% of America.

It is the people that stereotype who are the issue not those comfortable in their skin.

This may be so. But it is those who sterotype who are passing BSL, MSN, etc. So why not just give a little to get a little? It's not going to kill anyone to cover up their tats or pull up their pants when they walk their dog. As I said before, if the shoe were on the other paw, our dogs would do it for us.

I would not like to start the notion that you MUST dress a certain way to own our breed.

I wouldn't either, but the sad, bad fact of the matter is so few "normal" looking ppl are seen w/ these dogs it has become ingrained in JQP that only "trash" own these dogs. And w/ a little teeny, weeny bit of effort on the part of the more flamboyant owners, this notion could be dispelled & the APBT might be considered a mainstream breed again.

A person's character is much more important to me than how they look.

You're right. But that is not the case w/ JQP. They are going to look at your appearance first & by your appearance they are goping to decide whether you are worth even talking to. And they out number & are out voting us.

It is much better to learn to speak/act as a lady/gentleman than to merely dress like one.

I agree. I think one should learn to do both.

There is a spanish saying that goes something like this, "Even when you dress a monkey in a suit, it remains a monkey".

My exact point!! If you are a punk rocker type or a hip hop type, it is NOT going to kill you to take out your nose ring or cover up your underwear while you're walking your dog. You will still be the same person you always are, even if you put yourself out in a little more presentable manner while walking your dog.

more palatable to JQP? Truth is what is needed most. The focus must be in providing knowledgeable and correct information ...

I agree! But how are we going to get these ppl to talk to us if they are terrified to approach us?

... not dressing like you are going to a "formal". Speak intelligently and you will be deem one.

Once again, how are we going to get them to speak to us if they cross the street every time they see us coming??

I believe he may have been talking about the drug pushing, momma raping, bank robbing, cop killing thugs assume to have bred this wonderful breed. This is a myth and we need to combat it in a straight manner.

Once again ... how are we going to get them to speak to us if they cross the street every time they see us coming??

Now, if you would have been dress "down" and spoke like a gentleman, i am pretty sure a little bit of their ignorance would have disappeared.

IF you can get them to even talk to you. Accessability is the key here. Most soccer moms & office dads are terrified of punks & thugs. They aren't going to talk to you if you present that image. But if you present a non-threatening, friendly, approachable image, they likely WILL approach you & then half the battle is won!

Yes, they may be impressed but because of how the person looks.

Yep & that goes a long way.

It would have nothing to do with the dog.

Nope, but it still goes a long way.

We need to focus on what is important.

Yes, we do, but you can't focus on anything if folks are scared to death to talk to you.

We are trying to correct stereotypes not create MORE.

What is wrong w/ creating the stereotype of the APBT as a blue collar family dog?? I think that'd be a GREAT stereotype!

I can hear the new stereotypes ...

We NEED a new stereotype. Have you seen the sterotype of the APBT & it's owners lately???

... if the people dress like this the dogs are bad, if they dress like that then the dogs are good. You see where I am going with this?

Yes, I do. And those stereotypes you mentioned are just facts of life.

We would not be combating stereotypes just adding to them.

Again, I say - We NEED a new stereotype. Have you seen the stereotype of the APBT & it's owners lately???

We must act properly for our own benefit.

I agree. So cover the tats, pull up the pants, etc. That way maybe we won't get our doors busted down & our dogs taken!

We must dress like we choose to feel comfortable in our own skin.

This is true. But you must consider the context too. Just as you wouldn't wear your robe & bunny slippers to work, you shouldn't be showing everyone your underwear as you walk your dog either!

We must act like gentleman/ladies out of respect for our family, friends, and dogs.

Very true. And part of acting like a lady or gentleman is dressing like a lady or gentleman.

ABK, I respect you, your opinion, and dogs regardless of what you wear.

That is good to hear b/c right now I am naked. (Juuuuuuust kidding!!!! :p )

[Lethalpits]

I already stated that I agree if you are intentionally going to make an impression somewhere there's no need for your -casual- attire. I too have outfits for work,church, court, resteraunts etc. And its a rule at UKC shows to be dressy casual.

But if I'm going on a CASUAL walk down the street with my dog I'm going to dress casual whether you like it or not. Like I said, I'm not gonna take out the button up and khakis to impress old man rob down the street, that's being fake. It wouldn't be 'fake' at a interview, because dressy attire is -expected-. It's NOT expected at a walk in the park.

[miakoda]

I think this is an amazing thread. And ABK has brought up some very good points as well as Rocky, Lethal & everyone else.

I guess I would be considered your typical middle class white woman. None of my tattoos are visible as most are on my back or lower abdominal region. I removed all my 'extra' ear piercings & just have the 2 'normal' ones left. However, I dress like a slob. If I'm not in scrubs, I'm in pajama pants & a t-shirt or sweatshirt. And I walk my dogs like that.

However, I think there are some more aspects of being out & about with your dogs that I think can, & will, help people overcome your image. When you are passing by someone with your dog, smile & say hello. Who gives a hoot if they respond or even if they roll their eyes & look away? You did your part. I cannot tell you how many times a parent with their child has looked disguistingly my way yet when I smiled & said "good morning" I got a somewhat befuddled smile back. IMO, smiles are contagious no matter what you are wearing or if you look like a walking coloring book. And being from the south, I wholeheartedly agree in saying "Yes ma'am" & "Yes sir" no matter how old you are! It shows a level of respect. I was walking a dog with an old friend of mine who happens to be a 6ft. 7inch black man who was wearing his typical basketball attire (which happens to be somewhat low riding shorts that are confused as to whether they are shorts or pants) & when we passed by a man doing yard work, Jermaine said a simple "Good afternoon sir" & wow did we get a smile, wave, & "what behaved pit bulls" back.

I guess where I'm going with this has more to do with the attitude someone portrays through their actions & words moreso than they way they are dressed.

However, I am a firm believer in not putting hideous spiked collars on our dogs & walking them on 2 ft. long humongous gold linked 'leashes' & all that kind of crap. IMO it's turning your dog into a fashion statement & trying to prove your dog is a macho respect earning thing that everyone should fear & be in awe of. And God forbid you actually walk your dog, or even take pictures of & post them on the internet, of your dog with a chain around it's neck adorned with a padlock. Those that do this are knowingly embracing the stereotypes & IMO are knowingly accepting them as somehow, someway they feel cool that people look at them & their dog like that. I suggest just walking down the street with your wanker out..........don't use your dog to try to hide behind.

[Lethalpits]

Silence after Mia's great post.. lol! Well put.

[FearlessKnight]

U know whats funny i don't fit in those sterotypes at all, im just a regular white guy atleast by the looks of me but people still like to say stupid shit about our breed of dog when they see me walking my dog.
We don't fit them either, and we try very hard not too. Not just for the dogs, but for us as well. You see, most of you already know, but, I am white and my husband is black, and a lot of people have a problem with that already, let alone the dogs we have, but when we continue to go out in public with our dogs and we speak properly and we are dressed nice, and our dogs are wearing regular collars (without spikes and bulletts) with their tails wagging, we get pretty positive responses from people. How you portray yourself to others owning this breed, does make a difference. I don't like people looking at us and saying things, when it can be prevented. But, when we walked our dogs, or take them to the shows, or stores, we didn't get ANY negative responses like that, not about the TYPE of people we were. It does make a difference, it shouldn't but it does.

As sad as it is, ABK is right, I was scared to post earlier, because I thought I was going to get bashed, I guess we can all get bashed together. :D

But when I am driving down the street and I see these people with baggy pants and their underwear showing and metal from head to toe, with these dogs, I am even guilty of thinking the same thing. Because I know what other people think when they see it. I hear it everyday, someone talking about "Did you see that guy over there with that pit? Why do THOSE PEOPLE have to have them dogs."? You hear it everyday.

[ABK]

I already stated that I agree if you are intentionally going to make an impression somewhere there's no need for your -casual- attire. I too have outfits for work,church, court, resteraunts etc. And its a rule at UKC shows to be dressy casual.

But if I'm going on a CASUAL walk down the street with my dog I'm going to dress casual whether you like it or not. Like I said, I'm not gonna take out the button up and khakis to impress old man rob down the street, that's being fake. It wouldn't be 'fake' at a interview, because dressy attire is -expected-. It's NOT expected at a walk in the park.I don't think Diesel or I are saying you have to have a button down shirt & slacks just to walk your dog. All I am saying is cover up your underwear, put your hat on straight & present yourself w/ a little dignity instead of like some thug that came out of a rap video.

And you're not doing it to impress old man Rob. You're doing it for your dog. That's the part I can't stress the most - this is all about the dogs. Not about you or how you want to dress or how others want you to dress. It's about how OUR DOGS are percieved THROUGH YOU. YOU are their representative.

Our dogs are being judged in the court of public opinion & YOU are their defense lawyers. How would you like it if you were innocent, convicted for a crime you didn't commit. The penalty phase was up & you're on trial on whether you'd get the death sentence was about to begin. Your defense lawyer shows up to court in a shirt he had slept in w/ a tie that had gravy stains on it & pants that had holes in them w/ wingtip shoes w/ socks that didn't match??? You'd be horrified.

But that is essentially what you are doing to your dog! Every time you go out in public w/ your dog, both of you - but esp. your dog - are being "judged" by everyone who sees you. So why not represent your dog as best you can?

[Lethalpits]

I don't think Diesel or I are saying you have to have a button down shirt & slacks just to walk your dog. All I am saying is cover up your underwear, put your hat on straight & present yourself w/ a little dignity instead of like some thug that came out of a rap video.

And you're not doing it to impress old man Rob. You're doing it for your dog.
Hmm, I don't exactly dress that bad, I mean you can't see my underwear lol and I'm 23 year old man I present myself with an adult manner. I address everyone with smiles as well as 'old man rob'. I mean I dress reasonably, and I've never really had a bad encounter with anyone and my dog. Most of the time I get people coming up to me asking about my dog.

I don't walk around with a bad guy attitude and whatnot and use my dog as part of my look and ego. They are just my 4 dogs.

Now, I am well mannered nice guy that might choose different brands of clothing, but in no way am I any different from anyone else. So I don't see any need to change..

But if you ARE a person walking around with the thug attitude and gangster image and bought a pitbull to help portray your image, then ya, those people need to grow up and change their persona.

I didn't mean to put myself in that 'thug/gangster' category, but I probably wear some of the same brands of clothes that some do. Doesn't make me like them, though.

[pennsooner]

What I think is really poison for the breed is when a person looks like a thug AND has a chip on their shoulder and radiates hostility. Because that scares people and the main problem the breed faces is that people are afraid of them. So if you want to look like a thug, try being extra nice and non-threatening. I've met some real good owners who look thuggish and some real bad ones that look like June Cleaver. Put IMO behavior and how you interact with people matters most.

[Lethalpits]

What I think is really poison for the breed is when a person looks like a thug AND has a chip on their shoulder and radiates hostility. Because that scares people and the main problem the breed faces is that people are afraid of them. So if you want to look like a thug, try being extra nice and non-threatening. I've met some real good owners who look thuggish and some real bad ones that look like June Cleaver. Put IMO behavior and how you interact
with people matters most.
LOL well put. I guess then, most of us agree its not the clothes, its the personality and presentation of yourself in public.

I definately am sure I don't come off as menacing or 'scary'..

shoot I'd be more worried about a big ole country guy sportin rebel flags and sleeveless flannel shirts with a 85 lb. pitbull than someone like me.

But if I walked by and that guy had a big smile on his face and so did his dog and he was very positive then it'd be all good!

Same for everyone, I suppose. Even people in shirt and tie can have that 'don't speak to me or I'll rip your head off' look to them.

[FearlessKnight]

What I think is really poison for the breed is when a person looks like a thug AND has a chip on their shoulder and radiates hostility. Because that scares people and the main problem the breed faces is that people are afraid of them. So if you want to look like a thug, try being extra nice and non-threatening. I've met some real good owners who look thuggish and some real bad ones that look like June Cleaver. Put IMO behavior and how you interact with people matters most.
This is true too, but you also have to take into consideration the people that aren't able to make a SOUND impression on somone. I mean some people just SEE other people and are not able to talk to them. They only see them walking down the road or in the store. They can't hear them speaking to present themselves to someone else.
This is really sad, but it is more than true.

[FearlessKnight]

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by Lethalpits
Sorry, just don't see myself reaching for the button up and khakis to go walk Max..my family would be like, 'dang where do you think your going?'

"walkin the dog!, duh!"

edit- I'd much rather reach out to those people that have a biased opinion on sight and speak to them, show them how non agressive my dog is, as well as myself, and what not. May not change their perception, but its better than being fake about it.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

No offence to anyone, but I dont think it makes you "FAKE" if you go to all extents to save your breed, and change people's minds about them. To me, it just shows your love for them, and other people that you are not a "whatever they think" you are.

[BoogiemanBlood]

man what a thread!!!!!!!!! there is rep points to be handed out everywhere here! my simple opinion is i'm in it for the dogs. i always try to present myself in a postive manner when i'm in public with them. i completely understand both sides of this issue. i guess you just need to decide what's more important to you, the perception of your dog because of you, or your right to be free and look however you want to. either way it's screwed up to have to make the decision.

[14rock]

I dont have the time to read responses right now, but I'll give my 2 cents in before I gotta run. Yes, I change my appearance when I know I'm going to be judged. In the publics eye, I retire the flannel shirts, stained jeans, muddy boots and break stick in the back pocket. When I know people will be judging our every move, I dress up as if I'm going to a dinner. No holey, stained, clothes, and no visible stick. My tattoos are hidden easily with a shirt on, no peircings.

[Lethalpits]

Yea your right Boog. It just sucks that you would even HAVE to change yourself for the sake of your dog, but it is an issue. But actually I never thought about it till I read this thread, because I've never had (or noticed) any bad comments or looks from me walking my dog in the neighborhood or park. Like I said normally I have people rush up to me and spark up a long conversation, and I always know someone is going to say something when I'm out, but its usually positive.

Besides the negative comments, what worries me more is the people that walk up and ask if I fight my dogs, or if I got any pups comin soon 'off that junt' or how game and tight their dogs are..

I don't know, I don't want to change clothes to walk my dog, because I look so damn good in them (jp ;P), but I do understand that some people might stereo type (on some occasions, I guess, depending on what I wear I suppose?) me off top..and it makes my dog look bad. Maybe thats why I like these dogs, we're both great spirits, but our exterior gives certain people a bad outlook?

But like I said, I'm gonna start walking with my sister's pomeranian now too and see what kind of remarks I get!

[Attila]

This is something I think about quite often, and after I read the thread with the rapper that Marty posted I figured I might as well post something.

For those of us who don't live and look "the norm" when it comes to Muffy and Buffy's squeaky clean society (ie: the lawmakers and the people who support them), are we hurting our dogs more by simply being ourselves? I mean, if people can't get passed how WE look and act personally and accept us, would they really be able to accept our dogs?

I'm talking about inner city kids who wear clothes that are too big, I'm talking punks with tattoos and piercings everywhere, I'm talking the guy who lives in a trailer and not a house, I'm talking the person with the heavy accent (southern, New York, etc), I'm talking about just about anyone out there!

Personally I fit into the punk description: tattoos, some piercings including a 10 gauge septum which NO ONE can keep their eyes off of, and some people are very rude about. Should I change myself to make the breed look better in the eye of the public? Should any of you change yourselves to make the breed look better? What suggestions do you all have as far as LITTLE things we can do daily to try to chip away at the bad rep that pit bulls (and all breeds affected by BSL) have?
Here is mine, how about you? lol

It is about social objections. We have an uphill battle with the breed. One has to present themselves in a socially acceptable way to cut the first layer of stone to get to the inner core of it. Placing more objections on the plate just makes it all that much harder. Social psycology is a critical element to crack open. Sometimes we have to sacrifice what we like as far as personal actire to catch society off guard and hit them with an inside hook. Just like putting the right bait on a hook.

[Suki]

I believe there is truth in the saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". Because it is human nature to judge a person by their looks, whether you care to admit that this is true or not. I would even venture a guess to say that 95% of the human population does this. It is not correct, imo, but I imagine at one time or another we have ALL been guilty of doing so.

I have lived in some "questionable" areas of some "questionable" cities, where the daily activities were what some people only read about in the paper. Most residents, yes, dress a "certain" way, wear "certain colors" and speak in a certain manner. This just "IS" and it's acceptable there. And to see a "pit bull" on the other end of their leash is the norm, and not the exception to. In these areas, sometimes to "fit in" you have to dress the part, so to speak, because to NOT to, draws even more attention. And if you're an inner city dweller, you know what I'm talking about.

However, on the flip, IF, you happen to be "out of your element" and more into the public eye, yes, the public scrutiny ...sigh..., and based on all of the already negative attention "pit bulls" so unfairly receive, imo, IF you want to help combat this judgemental BS we all seem to inflict on each other and "even out the odds", then it's probably not a bad thing to dress less "judgementally" and leave less open for people to view, criticize, and be able to even pass a judgement on. I disagree with the huge chains=unnecessary, ego inflator, imo. Those "spiked" collars are absolutely NO help, and hiding the ink (guilty, here) and looking a little more responsible can only be a good thing in terms of this breed, as far as I can see. Honestly, why not want to help better people's perception when it comes to those of us who own "pit bulls"???

Being a motorcycle rider, with ink, married to a guy with long hair and a beard, who either had a rott or a pit at the end of his leash, has allowed me to grow a thick skin, but also to be aware of how people might choose to deem me. I agree with the thinking that a smile REALLY goes a L-O-N-G way and really does throw people off, and 99% of the time I initiate it, even sometimes just to see the reaction I'll get. But it DOES work wonders and almost immediately puts a persons' perception of you into another light. (Plus, I think it's a cool thing to do, and to pass on.) I don't dress neat, typically levis and a tee shirt, and almost always have my "biker" coat on, but I think I come off as approachable. My dogs, whenever ANY of them were walked, are friendly and approachable, too, and my feeling is, if people view you as less of a threat and more of someone they feel they can possibly relate to, then the judgements become less, and they even may go beyond the realm of common thinking and consider the fact that there's a decent human being in there, instead of being clouded by common misconception.

And if you don't think looks matter, think of this, if there are two candidates going for the same job, who do you think is more apt to gain it? The one in a tee shirt wearing ripped jeans, or the one wearing the suit? Again, it's human nature to judge by looks. If you really care about how the public has chosen to view the "pit bull" AND their owners, you may want to consider their opinions more and your own less. just my .02

I agree great post: very interesting.

[SisMorphine]

I'm glad to see the discussion that's been going on :)

Personally I flip up my piercing so you can't see it (unless you're looking up my nose for some weird reason). I also will usually wear a sweater instead of one of my sweatshirts (either ratty or having some sort of foul language, or both). Also I would ALWAYS walk my foster pit bulls with my Greyhound. People see Greys as sweet and approachable dogs. So people would approach us to pet Wally and then would ask questions about whichever foster I had with me.

Unfortunately I cannot walk Wally and Mike together because Mike has leash aggression and Wally will back him up if he goes after a dog (damn pack mentality) and since we have no leash law in my town I just don't chance it. I walk Mike alone and we have not ONCE been approached by anyone and they usually cross the street before we get close. I dress as nice as possible but he's just too darn intimidating I guess (pit/Akita . . . heck I was nervous with him at first!).

But when I go to public places supporting the breed and fighting BSL I do my best Ann Taylor impression and really lay it on people. Having had my septum pierced for 5 years now I've found that FIRST you need to win people over with your intelligence and personality before you lay on the piercing. If you go "piercing first" then that's all they can focus on and they'll never get to know the real person. I think it's true with the dogs, also. If we present ourselves in an unintimidating way we can get in good with people and THEN we can add in the piercings, or the tats, or the muddy jeans, and then they won't even notice.

[Riptora]

I didn't read all the posts... too tired! But one of the big reasons fighting BSL is so important is that it really does go against our rights. So would changing your style, and who you are. You might as well find a different breed if you want to change yourself to satisfy the ignorant public who finds artistic expressions like tattoos and piercings as offensive. Our country is very diverse already, and I hope that it becomes more so over time, I want to see people as who they are.
I don't dress artistically anymore, have tatts or body jewlery... yet! but there are reasons that some find me odd, or try to judge me on small things, and I am always VERY proud and confident in who I am. I am always happy to answer questions, or present myself in a manner that is true. It works out just fine for me, and anyone who doesn't like it is not worth my time... God knows I don't have enough of that!

[Diesel]

Looks like we are all pretty much coming to a concensus... good, bad or indifferent, we need to be mindful of our appearance when we are out with our dogs, and how people are going to percive us.

One thing I have noticed is that If I take the dogs for a walk and am in a good mood, talking to them and smiling and enjoying my walk people will walk right past us on the same side of the block, when we are waiting for alight to turn to cross the street people will come right to the corner where we are and people will comment to me or reach out to pet them. If I am in a bad mood I have a norotiously intimidating expression and get the COMPLETE opposite. people are crossing the street to get away, or turning around and turning off. they stand 20 feet from the corner and from us they try not to make eye contact or they just look at the dogs and make skeptical faces.
Now I was born with a perpetual scowl so its not my fault that I look mean all the time, even when I am not in a bad mood people will ask me whats wrong or tell me I look like i want to kill someone. I have adapted to that, and make it a point to smile or at least to keep my eyebrows unfurrowed and my jaw relaxed. sometimes it can be just that subtle of a change but people notice it and react to you accordingly.

[ABK]

lmao ... I too was born w/ a scowly face Diesel! I could be thinking of kittens & butterflies & ppl will tell me I look like I want to kill someone! lol.

A well intentioned smile will most definitely go a LONG way. I guess a smile is part of projecting that non-threatening manner that will encourage folks to approach us.

But so will dressing in a decent manner as well. I guess it is an overall package type thing.

:) (Me smiling!!!)

[cheekymunkee]

I guess where I'm going with this has more to do with the attitude someone portrays through their actions & words moreso than they way they are dressed.


This is how I feel too. I am a 49 year old white woman working in the corporate world..............and I LOOK the part. People stare at me when I show up with a pit bull, they look at me like I am some kind of freak of nature. It does NOT just happen to the baggy pants, chain wearing thug looking people, it happens to us all. When I am not at work I am in jeans, sweats & a t-shirt, flip flops or sneakers ( depending on the weather) but no matter HOW I look I get the stares. I took Justice to the vet after work one evening without changing from my work clothes & I still got the looks. I smile, say "hello", nod, acknowledge the staring person & try to break the ice for a bit. You know what? It ususally works! And if it doesn't, at least I tried & I became the bigger person.

It goes both ways, I try not to judge people based on how they look or what they wear, maybe I am not the norm. When I walk into or near a crowd of young men dressed Hip-Hop ( for lack of a better term) what impresses me is the "hello ma'am", the opening of the door, the move out of the way, the smile. I don't care what they are wearing or how they look after that. All it takes is a moment of kindness to change a mind. And if they have a dog I am usually paying NO attention to them anyway, I wanna pet the dog. ;) I have a nephew who is heavily into the goth scene. He dresses in black, has piercings, spiked hair, chains. But what he also has that makes a difference in how people react to him is an awesome smile that he uses quite often.

So, as I see it, be who you are, dress how you will but be FRIENDLY. A smile, a nod, a wave goes a LONG way in making a good impression.

[Envy's Mom]

It doesn’t matter what you look like... If you have a pit someone is going to judge you because of the dog. I for one do not appear threating in anyway. I look like I came from church or camp or something, but when people see me walking my dogs they get out of the way, they stare, and they question why I would ever want a dog like that. I have fought the stereotype since I got my first pit and I believe, with the help of great dogs, that we have changed many people’s minds about the nature of the breed. Including my mother...who was an avid pit bull hatter! I believe the way I look may help the people who are already intrigued by the breed to understand the loving nature of the dogs better, but for the people who are already set in their ways to hate these "aggressive animals", the innocent look I have does not waiver their opinion. They think they will hear on the news how an innocent young girl was mauled by her pit bull. -I've actually been told this a couple times. I do believe the more gangster or thuggish you look the worse the image becomes. Instead of people just thinking about aggressive animals, they think torture, drugs, violence, death, and the stereotype just gets worse. They associate all bad things with this breed and that is how people in the media are portraying them. It is up to us to save the breed and their image, but changing who you are and the way you live you life is just an injustice to yourself and the breed. We want to breed to stay true to themselves and I feel it would be hypocritical to change completely to satisfy the ones who don’t care. I do feel we should curb the bad boy image a little, but not completely to where we lose our true selves in the process. JMO!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[bahamutt99]

If I'm looking just out of my own brain, I would say that having piercings, tats, leather, whatever, doesn't hurt the breed. But I was raised to have an acceptance of those things. There are always going to be people who will hold them against you. I think you can improve upon the image by your behavior, though. If you go around with a smile on your face and say hello to people, they will usually respond in kind.

Personally, I think its worse to see a clean-cut person with their dog lunging and digging and generally acting a fool. I'd rather see a ghettofied person with a well-behaved dog. A lot of the folks I see at the ADBA shows seem to just be normal people that most folks wouldn't think twice about. But I don't really want to go up and talk to them because of the way their dogs are acting. Being a Pit Bull person, I can look past that and see an awesome animal. But being a dog owner, I can understand why other dog owners (and other non-dog owners) are uncomfortable with it. I think a little bit of training and control can't hurt anything.

Lemme duck now, because I know its coming.

Edit: I just realized it sounded like I was ADBA-bashing. I'm not. I see the people that go there and their dogs stand patiently in the ring. I think that's awesome. I'm just generalizing about the kind of behavior that's allowed there. I know I shouldn't do that. It was just the first thing that popped into my head. Sorry.

[Primo]

So, I was walking down the street the other day, minding my own business, when I saw this guy walking towards me with a dog. I mean, this guy had jailhouse tats all over, jeans hanging down with the boxers riding up high. He was giving me that squinting stare from underneath his crooked baseball cap. Man, I knew I just had to get out of there, especially when I saw that mean a** poodle he had with him........ ;)


P

[ABK]

So, I was walking down the street the other day, minding my own business, when I saw this guy walking towards me with a dog. I mean, this guy had jailhouse tats all over, jeans hanging down with the boxers riding up high. He was giving me that squinting stare from underneath his crooked baseball cap. Man, I knew I just had to get out of there, especially when I saw that mean a** poodle he had with him........ ;)


P
You laugh, but that is what folks think ("I have to get out of here") when they see a person of which you described walking a pit bull.

[ChiaPit]

OK...I fit the "Soccer Mom" stereotype, and I will say that most people feel they can approach me and ask if my dog is a pit bull (and they do) They are usually very accepting of her but I hear a lot of comments like "you got lucky that she is nice" or "she isn't like the others" There is a huge misconception when it comes to our breed and anything we can do to change it would be worth it if we would like to see this breed survive. That means presenting a positive image of ourselves and our dogs. Personally, I have no problem with baggy jeans (but I DON'T want to see your underwear) or piercings, but I think smiling and greeting people you come into contact with goes a long way, so does putting "Normal" walking gear on your dogs. The big chains and padlocks are a little much. The most important thing you can wear is a smile and a positive, friendly, approachable attitude. (that sounds SOOOOO June Cleaver)

[The Watcher]

NO, dont change yourself or the breed you choose to feed. deffend yourself and your dogs with your life. ppl will never stop being ppl. we will always be used as scapegoats for the "almighty" persons whom imported and refined this breed. I personally am tired of persons using the term punks, thugs to blame HUMANs for HUMAN mistakes. this is 2007 folks. we all know about culture and heritage. I dont believe F.B. was arrested because of his tatts showing on his ass while he was walking his mutts with his pants at his knees. its time for us all to addmit our own faults and mistakes in order to prolong our glorious breed.
its far past the time for us to unite together and deffend our breed. stop pointing fingers, stop saying "whos fault it is" why should the "thug with his pants hangin' low" be treated any differently than the "punk" with tight ass nutt huggers and piercings or the Brady's? ones character has nothing to do with how you wear your clothing. I for one will not stand idly while others that have forgot more than I ever learned blow their hot air.
in my eyes ones hygene, diet, religion and action towards others define character. educate yourself, free your mind form mental slavery and politics. learn your rights and laws and stick to them and you might be ok.

[Attila]

NO, dont change yourself or the breed you choose to feed. deffend yourself and your dogs with your life. ppl will never stop being ppl. we will always be used as scapegoats for the "almighty" persons whom imported and refined this breed. I personally am tired of persons using the term punks, thugs to blame HUMANs for HUMAN mistakes. this is 2007 folks. we all know about culture and heritage. I dont believe F.B. was arrested because of his tatts showing on his ass while he was walking his mutts with his pants at his knees. its time for us all to addmit our own faults and mistakes in order to prolong our glorious breed.
its far past the time for us to unite together and deffend our breed. stop pointing fingers, stop saying "whos fault it is" why should the "thug with his pants hangin' low" be treated any differently than the "punk" with tight ass nutt huggers and piercings or the Brady's? ones character has nothing to do with how you wear your clothing. I for one will not stand idly while others that have forgot more than I ever learned blow their hot air.
in my eyes ones hygene, diet, religion and action towards others define character. educate yourself, free your mind form mental slavery and politics. learn your rights and laws and stick to them and you might be ok.You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to The Watcher again.

<!-- / main error message -->

[The Watcher]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to The Watcher again.



<!-- / main error message -->lol, thanks Man.

[SMOKIN HEMI]

Hi everyone I am about to play devils advocate. Why should I have to alter the way i look when I walk my dog. Because of someone who probally doesn't want to tolerate me anyway. Why should I have to give in. I pay taxes too. Now I don't wear my pants falling off my ass, but in every generation new styles come along. Back in the day they had tjght siuts and what about the hippies. They were aloud to dress anyway they wanted to. They weren't givin any flack. I think when you go altering the way you look in a to walk around with your dog you are allowing these ignorameses to win. This is America isn't it. It is all about freedoms we should not have to take back seat to anybody. Back In the 70's people walk around with there Dobermans and Rottwiers with pride. Now you have Urban Pride you have suburban pride you got ghetto pride and you got country pride. It is all pride no amtter how you dress.

I think it is more how you conduct yourself than the way you dress. If someone has a problem with me and has no even met be then that is there problem. I will let them deal with that. One thing that i have learned in my life is that you can not please everybody. Ther are some straight assholes in this world. You can not change there minds.
Our biggest enemy is not the brother with his pants sagging down it is the media. Because they hype everything up. I live in Atlanta and since the pitbull explosion there has not been a german shephard attack, a chow attack, doberman attack or rottweier attack in the last past 15 years. Pit bulls are the only thing that is biting people down here. So no matter whqat you look like people tend to believe what they here on the news. Like BoiBoi said he is a white guy average but people still dog him out.

Now don't get me you wrong I don't think you should be walking around the park with a spike collar on an your dog bucking at old ladys and children. I also think that as a man you hold yourself to a stardard . Just do the right thing and everything will work its way out....

[BoiBoi]

Hi everyone I am about to play devils advocate. Why should I have to alter the way i look when I walk my dog. Because of someone who probally doesn't want to tolerate me anyway. Why should I have to give in. I pay taxes too. Now I don't wear my pants falling off my ass, but in every generation new styles come along. Back in the day they had tjght siuts and what about the hippies. They were aloud to dress anyway they wanted to. They weren't givin any flack. I think when you go altering the way you look in a to walk around with your dog you are allowing these ignorameses to win. This is America isn't it. It is all about freedoms we should not have to take back seat to anybody. Back In the 70's people walk around with there Dobermans and Rottwiers with pride. Now you have Urban Pride you have suburban pride you got ghetto pride and you got country pride. It is all pride no amtter how you dress.

I think it is more how you conduct yourself than the way you dress. If someone has a problem with me and has no even met be then that is there problem. I will let them deal with that. One thing that i have learned in my life is that you can not please everybody. Ther are some straight assholes in this world. You can not change there minds.
Our biggest enemy is not the brother with his pants sagging down it is the media. Because they hype everything up. I live in Atlanta and since the pitbull explosion there has not been a german shephard attack, a chow attack, doberman attack or rottweier attack in the last past 15 years. Pit bulls are the only thing that is biting people down here. So no matter whqat you look like people tend to believe what they here on the news. Like BoiBoi said he is a white guy average but people still dog him out.

Now don't get me you wrong I don't think you should be walking around the park with a spike collar on an your dog bucking at old ladys and children. I also think that as a man you hold yourself to a stardard . Just do the right thing and everything will work its way out....
Amen to that brother, great post rep points comin atcha

[FearlessKnight]

Our biggest enemy is not the brother with his pants sagging down it is the media.
No body has directed this thread into beleiving that our problem with our rep is a brother with his pants saggin.
White people do this too, as do hispanics so do green people and orange people, it isnt limited to a color......and to top that off that was not the only thing listed as potential bad rep from others with this breed. There is also piercings, tatoos and (no offence to anyone) rednecks, it is EVERYBODY.
It is unfortunately limited to the stereotype that others throw everyone in. American rights and freedom or not, it is still a fact. Right or wrong it is still a fact.
You may not be able to change what other people think, but at least we could all help them with what see....what they see could impact all of us. It already has.

[ABK]

lol, you must be a young fellow Ceasar. Anyone who was in the hippie era know hippies got a lot of flak. A LOT.

As for the ignorant - you are right - they ARE ignorant. But how are we going to engage them in conversations to get them informed if they are scared to death to talk to us??

As for pride, I don't think it has anything to do w/ pride, at least not in all cases. I dress the way I do b/c I work outside. Otherwise I wouldn't wear coveralls or boots. But I do. However, I try not to wear such things when I am walking my dogs in public b/c I do not want to feed the "pit bulls are redneck dogs" stereotype.

And yes, this is America. And we shouldn't have to take a backseat. But we do. Why?? Because of how we project ourselves! The sad, bad fact of the matter is ppl judge you by how you look, right or wrong whether you like it or not.

You are also right in that you cannot please everyone. That is impossible. But of those of them you CAN reach & who's mind you CAN change, why not try to?

I agree out biggest enemy is the media. But our second biggest enemy is our selves. If we didn't have the irresponsible breeders out there selling to irresponsible owners, the media would have nothing to report on concerning the subject of pit bulls.

As for the news, yea, ppl believe what they hear on the news. They also believe what they see on rap vids, etc. Why do you think the pit bull suddenly became the inner city dog of choice?? B/c young bucks saw their "heros" w/ them pit bulls snarling at the end of chain leashes & thought that's what they had to do to be "cool."

Finally, as for stereotypes, I am a white female who dresses in the "normal" fashion & I have never had a stranger be scared to come up & pet one of my dogs. They ususally asked me about them & I got the opprotunity to share info about them & so on.

I had one guy make an off comment, but as you said, you can't make everyone happy. but if I can make 99% of them happy for the safety of my dog I will try! All it takes is a teeny weeny bit of effort, but sadly some fanciers aren't even willing to do that little bit for their dogs. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sad0065.gif

[FearlessKnight]

lol, you must be a young fellow Ceasar. Anyone who was in the hippie era know hippies got a lot of flak. A LOT.

As for the ignorant - you are right - they ARE ignorant. But how are we going to engage them in conversations to get them informed if they are scared to death to talk to us??

As for pride, I don't think it has anything to do w/ pride, at least not in all cases. I dress the way I do b/c I work outside. Otherwise I wouldn't wear coveralls or boots. But I do. However, I try not to wear such things when I am walking my dogs in public b/c I do not want to feed the "pit bulls are redneck dogs" stereotype.

And yes, this is America. And we shouldn't have to take a backseat. But we do. Why?? Because of how we project ourselves! The sad, bad fact of the matter is ppl judge you by how you look, right or wrong whether you like it or not.

You are also right in that you cannot please everyone. That is impossible. But of those of them you CAN reach & who's mind you CAN change, why not try to?

I agree out biggest enemy is the media. But our second biggest enemy is our selves. If we didn't have the irresponsible breeders out there selling to irresponsible owners, the media would have nothing to report on concerning the subject of pit bulls.

As for the news, yea, ppl believe what they hear on the news. They also believe what they see on rap vids, etc. Why do you think the pit bull suddenly became the inner city dog of choice?? B/c young bucks saw their "heros" w/ them pit bulls snarling at the end of chain leashes & thought that's what they had to do to be "cool."

Finally, as for stereotypes, I am a white female who dresses in the "normal" fashion & I have never had a stranger be scared to come up & pet one of my dogs. They ususally asked me about them & I got the opprotunity to share info about them & so on.

I had one guy make an off comment, but as you said, you can't make everyone happy. but if I can make 99% of them happy for the safety of my dog I will try! All it takes is a teeny weeny bit of effort, but sadly some fanciers aren't even willing to do that little bit for their dogs. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sad0065.gif
Very well put!

[Attila]

Hi everyone I am about to play devils advocate. Why should I have to alter the way i look when I walk my dog. Because of someone who probally doesn't want to tolerate me anyway. Why should I have to give in. I pay taxes too. Now I don't wear my pants falling off my ass, but in every generation new styles come along. Back in the day they had tjght siuts and what about the hippies. They were aloud to dress anyway they wanted to. They weren't givin any flack. I think when you go altering the way you look in a to walk around with your dog you are allowing these ignorameses to win. This is America isn't it. It is all about freedoms we should not have to take back seat to anybody. Back In the 70's people walk around with there Dobermans and Rottwiers with pride. Now you have Urban Pride you have suburban pride you got ghetto pride and you got country pride. It is all pride no amtter how you dress.

I think it is more how you conduct yourself than the way you dress. If someone has a problem with me and has no even met be then that is there problem. I will let them deal with that. One thing that i have learned in my life is that you can not please everybody. Ther are some straight assholes in this world. You can not change there minds.
Our biggest enemy is not the brother with his pants sagging down it is the media. Because they hype everything up. I live in Atlanta and since the pitbull explosion there has not been a german shephard attack, a chow attack, doberman attack or rottweier attack in the last past 15 years. Pit bulls are the only thing that is biting people down here. So no matter whqat you look like people tend to believe what they here on the news. Like BoiBoi said he is a white guy average but people still dog him out.

Now don't get me you wrong I don't think you should be walking around the park with a spike collar on an your dog bucking at old ladys and children. I also think that as a man you hold yourself to a stardard . Just do the right thing and everything will work its way out....Ok I am guilty on this one. I did give hippies flack. I am guilty of laughing at white dudes with afro's too in the 70's. My poor uncle got the worst of it from me. He stepped in thinking he was Johnny smooth and I tore a gut laughing at him. Big sun glasses, elvis collar and all. I still chuckle thinking of those days. He was a good dude Rest his soul. But he sure made me laugh. I miss that silly dude. Even though he was a liberal then moderate we still would cut up and laugh. I was the hick and he was the hippie. I was just as amusing to him as he I.

[mydawgs]

I think ppl are going to behave much like those that raised them, it doesn't matter at least from my experience what you wear or how you look IMHO. I am an executive, I also am a fitness fanatic, when I walk my dogs I usually am sporting my NIKE wear or REEBOK wear....probably a yuppy appearance, I have no tatoos (only cuz I'm a chicken) and no non standard piercings. I sport muscle but would say I look "like a girl"...some folks cozy up to this, but others still recoil in horror at the sight of my dogs. Now if I am walking with one of my daughters, they are pretty normal lookin teens, I see no difference in ppls reactions, with the acception of some of the young men (hee hee). But they are not lookin at the dog LOL

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/MyDawgs/SarahandSantino004.jpg

Now if we see a big, inked, pierced dude walkin a nice Pit....I stay back (usually got my knucklhead staff) but my daughter will walk right up to him and ask to pet the dog, then ask to see the rest of his tatoos...LOL

Now if I am walking with my husband...a big inked, moterhead from Georgia (has a normal look)...he won't hide his ink and he has a very strong hand with the dogs, and if you approach him he is a soft spoken southern gentleman, if you don't he smiles and tips his head.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/MyDawgs/momrick.jpg

most ppl will avoid us completely...it is laughable

I took my male to the vet right after work dressed in a Vittadini.....every ankle biter in there was barkin there assess off, my boy went to a down position under my chair....and everyone in that room stared me down until finally a woman asked me "Is that one of those killer dogs?", I smiled and said "No, he is just an APBT, and as you can see a well trained APBT, I could recommend a great trainer if your interested..." as her Shiapoo...or lapsodooo...or what ever the hell her little doo dog was comin apart at the seems barkin and snarlin at every dog in there..including my sleepin boy.

Ppl are judgemental by nature...I find difference is a threat to most of them, but a calm and informative attitude generally turns the tide if given an opportunity...if not oh well, don't change who you are, dress to your liking or advantage...it all depends what your objectives are in life. I know in my family we enjoy difference, and there is just nothing sweeter in life to see a person dressed punky, with pink hair and piercings and tatoos, walking with their dog take control of a situation with knowledge and confidence and a calm that would stop a truck, when dealing with judmental JQP!!!!!! (my SIL)

[Phebes]

I am a short round grey headed Grandma. I look a lot like Mrs. Claus and everytime I take my 64 lb Apbt to Petsmart I end up with a circle of kids around me all petting my dangerous dog :) People kiss him on the face (adult men) and tell me what a bad rap Pit Bulls get. I walk down an aisle someone will be coming towards me, they see my dog and at first they react to him by looking for an escape route, then they look at me, they relax and say "can I pet him, he's a pit bull isn't he?"

In my experience people do assume if you look benign then your dog also must be benign. It sure is a shame because it is not always true. But that is the way most people are. They almost always judge a book by the cover.

[14rock]

Stereotypes exist, its a fact of life. People have been complaining about it for hundreds of years, in one form or another. We all play into some stereotype or preconceived notion, every day. People dont judge based on clothes worn? Thats funny, I receive much better reception with clean jeans, shirt, and nikes...then I did in lets say my boots, ripped pants, and my Dying fetus t-shirt. When I would walk a dog in that attire, I quickly realized people avoided me like the plague, and it was better to leave them at home then put that picture in someones mind! Clean cut, well-dressed, people of all types approach and ask all sorts of questions on which I can educate. I'm not saying put on polos and loafers by any means! Just think of how you are being perceived, and dont do anything to perpetuate a negative stereotype. Pull up your pants, leave the chains in the backyard, uncock the hat and dont wear XXXL shirts if your a 110 lb. thug and expect to be taken seriously. If your a punk/country boy whatever, dont wear a beer-stained "Big Johnson" t-shirt and greasy holed up pants, or leather and spikes when you have your dog with, around JQP. We're being judged daily, do everything you can to put it in our favor. Being an immature punk, complaining and shouting "F- you, I'll wear whatever I want!" will only tip the scales against us. Tempertantrums and selfish whining is for 10 year old kids, not self-respecting, bulldog-owning adults looking to make a diffrence!

[NCPatchwork]

I understand what you mean, or my boyfriend does at least...he has 7 peircings in his face alone and when we go to PetSmart or just to the park, people stare. I'm pretty low key, one tattoo, red hair. I'm a dog trainer, so most people know me as that.

[Ms. Anthrope]

Well, I dont really fit into a sterio-type... I have my eyebrow pierced, but... I still get shit about the dogs... especially now that I have a baby.....

[CynthiaATL]

Ok Im going to tell ya'll my experiences. I have a bumper sticker I had made with Scrappy on it Saying banning the American Pit Bull terrier is not the soulution. Stop irresponsible owners. Stop BSL.

I have had more than a few ppl approach me asking why Pits. My 1st response is why not? they spew all the media hype and 8x out of 10 they never been around an APBT.

And I have been in My Scrubs with my name tag that says vet tech on it and been in Pet Smart buying food with 1 of my dogs. And ppl have asked me to move in the aisle (while I am shopping) so they can get something.

I then think
If you are scared of dogs then you shouldn't come somewhere there are going to be ALL types of dogs.

Then some ppl have asked if you are a Vet tech why own such a vicious breed.

So I understand that ppl are going to judge by your apperance. But even when you dress more presentable. Ppl still have comments.

[Attila]

Ok Im going to tell ya'll my experiences. I have a bumper sticker I had made with Scrappy on it Saying banning the American Pit Bull terrier is not the soulution. Stop irresponsible owners. Stop BSL.

I have had more than a few ppl approach me asking why Pits. My 1st response is why not? they spew all the media hype and 8x out of 10 they never been around an APBT.

And I have been in My Scrubs with my name tag that says vet tech on it and been in Pet Smart buying food with 1 of my dogs. And ppl have asked me to move in the aisle (while I am shopping) so they can get something.

I then think
If you are scared of dogs then you shouldn't come somewhere there are going to be ALL types of dogs.

Then some ppl have asked if you are a Vet tech why own such a vicious breed.

So I understand that ppl are going to judge by your apperance. But even when you dress more presentable. Ppl still have comments.
I just show people the same amount of respect that they first show me. I try to remain polite and use tact. However sometimes you just have to tell them no and wait till you are done. That is what I do. If they will not pet or be nice to my dog then they can just wait till I am good and ready to move. I don't often get challenged though. And most times I don't have a single problem like that. Walk with pride and carry yourself in a manner that doesn't beg for respect but demands such. Use words in a tone that is fitting to the situation, use tact and don't back down.

[chinasmom]

Great posts everyone. Take time to stop and think about what everyone said. I often am seen with my dogs out walking in camo overalls. They keep me warm and keep my clothes clean while working with the dogs. Ppl will say "have you been hunting." and I say "No, just working outside with my dogs today." If I had a dress on, do you think they would say "Did you just get off from work" and I would say " no just working my dogs today." Don't you think their next responce would be totally different?

[chinasmom]

The first impresion is everything in todays society.

[Attila]

I just try to remember to be dressed in cloths. Mine are all about the same. Been dressing the same all my life. Shirt that is clean and jeens. I have been caught in my boxer shorts out in the yard though. I try not to act like I know. They'll leave. lol I like living out of town.

[FearlessKnight]

I just show people the same amount of respect that they first show me. I try to remain polite and use tact. However sometimes you just have to tell them no and wait till you are done. That is what I do. If they will not pet or be nice to my dog then they can just wait till I am good and ready to move. I don't often get challenged though. And most times I don't have a single problem like that. Walk with pride and carry yourself in a manner that doesn't beg for respect but demands such. Use words in a tone that is fitting to the situation, use tact and don't back down.
I live everyday of my life just like that!! It's the only way to be!

[jadedpitgirl]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I have to say something on this topic. I live in a small rural town and I am probably considered the "freak" of the area. Most people here dress in wranglers and button up shirts; cowboy hats and boots-the whole nine yards. I have pink (or blue) hair, two nose rings an upper labret piercing and a tattoo that says "White Trash Beautiful"; I also drive a car with APBT stickers on it and a plate that has PIT GIRL on it. When most people see me, they are taken aback, until I speak. I am an intelligent person and speak to most with respect. I mind my p's and q's and I obey the law. Wether I have an APBT beside me or not, I am already being judged. The way I behave before bringing my dogs into public reflects how they will be judged as well. Considering we are a small town, it's not hard to forget seeing someone like me, and remebering how I treated you. Those who have been treated with respect will 9 times out of 10 treat me and my dogs the same way. First impressions are important, that's why we as APBT owners need to be as respectful as ever, regardless of what we "look" like.

[Michele]

It's sad that you do have to 'change' yourself for the breed. I'm from New York City and I see alot of weird sights. I don't judge anyone by what they are wearing. It's really what's inside a person that counts for me. So, if I see someone walking their APBT down the street and they are wearing baggy jeans, baggy t-shirt it wouldn't matter to me one way or the other. I will still ask if I could pet the dog. And I wouldn't judge the dog by what the owner is wearing. It's just wrong.

[FearlessKnight]

It's sad that you do have to 'change' yourself for the breed. I'm from New York City and I see alot of weird sights. I don't judge anyone by what they are wearing. It's really what's inside a person that counts for me. So, if I see someone walking their APBT down the street and they are wearing baggy jeans, baggy t-shirt it wouldn't matter to me one way or the other. I will still ask if I could pet the dog. And I wouldn't judge the dog by what the owner is wearing. It's just wrong.Might be wrong, but it is what it is, and it most likely will not change

[ABK]

You kniow I was looking at the title of this thread (Changing yourself to make the APBT look better) & IMO presenting yourself in a respectful manner & dressing normally is not really "changing" yourself.

It's simply recognizing a situtation & adapting to that particular situtation for the betterment of those involved - i.e. you & your dog. You can still do what you like when you're not in JQP's eye or don't have your dog w/ you.

To me "changing" would be like taking your whole persona & switching it from the hip hop culture to the country culture or the punk culture to the symphony culture, etc.

But that is not the case. Here all that is asked of us is we as owners present a good public image, not to really "change" as people.

Just a thought.

[FearlessKnight]

You kniow I was looking at the title of this thread (Changing yourself to make the APBT look better) & IMO presenting yourself in a respectful manner & dressing normally is not really "changing" yourself.

It's simply recognizing a situtation & adapting to that particular situtation for the betterment of those involved - i.e. you & your dog. You can still do what you like when you're not in JQP's eye or don't have your dog w/ you.

To me "changing" would be like taking your whole persona & switching it from the hip hop culture to the country culture or the punk culture to the symphony culture, etc.

But that is not the case. Here all that is asked of us is we as owners present a good public image, not to really "change" as people.

Just a thought.Well it may have been just a though, but it is the truth.
Dressing like a "person" does not mean you are"changing" your entire life.
It kind if goers without saying:
If you were to be invited to a fancy restauraunt and you normally wear holey jeans or cut offs and shabby t-shirts, would you not change your clothes before going to this place? Get real......you know you would, you want to look appropriate right? You do not want to be stared at and looked down upon, right? RIGHT...same goes with this breed!

[jadedpitgirl]

I just can't comprehend why someone would have to change thier everyday attire to walk thier dog like they do every other day:confused: The biggest challenge we have to face no matter what we look like it that we own the "most dangerous breed in America". No matter what you look like you are going to be judged. I say be yourself. They either like you or they don't. If someone is gonna determine your worth by the dog you own, then you are clearly the better person than they are.

P.S. the next time I got to "La Fancy Place" with my dogs, I'll make sure they are dressed apropriately as well:cool:

[ABK]

Well it may have been just a though, but it is the truth.
Dressing like a "person" does not mean you are"changing" your entire life.
It kind if goers without saying:
If you were to be invited to a fancy restauraunt and you normally wear holey jeans or cut offs and shabby t-shirts, would you not change your clothes before going to this place? Get real......you know you would, you want to look appropriate right? You do not want to be stared at and looked down upon, right? RIGHT...same goes with this breed!
Good post!!! http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/happy0034.gif

[LegendsMami]

I won't change the way I dress to walk my dog. The way he is trained and behaves hiself in public speaks for the both of us! Just the other day some lady left her gate open as she was getting something off her porch. Her German Shepherd came out charging and barking. ALL eyes were on Legend and I(cars seriously stopped and basically people were thinking the worst) and the lady just knew I was going to get ugly and start cussing her out. I stopped told Legend to "sit", "mind his business" and "watch me" as this lady tried to stand in front of her dog so he couldnt get near Legend. When she was able to grab her dog by the collar I smiled and said thank you and kept walking. No one expected that..I was pissed that she could have just closed the gate and kept her dog safe but I just pushed what I wanted to say to the side and was polite. My ex boyfriend would take Legend out all the time. He dresses somwhat on the lines of baggy jeans..."thuggish" as some call it. HE still made Legend BEHAVE himself in public. People come up ask about Legend etc. Never a problem and always polite. Same here I get at least 3 people on every walk I take Legend on asking me about him. And these freakin' people around here don't seem to like pit bulls that much. Point is- We're still going to be looked at strange and people turn their noses up b/c we have pit bulls. The way I see it is to bring your well behaved dog out in public and walk around. If they see you enough they'll ask questions and want to pet your dog. And while they're petting you can kinda throw in some info on our dogs.

[FearlessKnight]

I just though with a lot of new members in te last 7 months....I would like to hear their thoughts on this, bring it back to life.

[jr Pit Guy]

I feel that in order to be successful in anything, you must appear successful. I am a Marketing Representative for a casino, and if I came to work wearing my Sturgis shirts, or Vans shoes, etc. I would be frowned upon, (probably sent home too). People would probably think differently about me if they knew how I was when I was a kid. I get upset when I see some white kid walking a sorry excuse of a "Pitbull" down the street, while at the same time struggling to keep his pants up:rolleyes: . Oh, and hey, kick that hat around and bend the bill a little bit, son. You look like a d@mn circus clown! :p This is the response that I, a 25 year old grown man,is going to give. Imagine what public officials and elder people think.

I guess you could look at it from the different strokes for different folks perspective, but really, this is a GREAT example of when keeping it real goes wrong! If you claim to be responsible enough to own this breed, then be responsible enough to promote a positive image for the breed. Quit trying to think about what your friends think when you dress like a human being, and realize that everytime a stranger sees you in your thug clothes, they see a thug with a pitbull. Thanks to you being selfish, you just added another straw to the camel's back.

The way I see it, you wouldn't wear a Fireman's outfit if you're not a Fireman, why would you dress like a thug, drug dealer, etc. if you aren't one? Please learn to look responsible when in public with your dogs, it gives off a better image.

[EDOGZ818]

U know whats funny i don't fit in those sterotypes at all, im just a regular white guy atleast by the looks of me but people still like to say stupid shit about our breed of dog when they see me walking my dog. I don't think making urself look a certain way for JQP is gonna change a damn thing because nowadays everyone already has their mind set on what our breed is all about, or atleast what they think its all about. I say Fu*k em, where what u want, listen to what u want and be who u want to be, no amount of dressing up is gonna change peoples minds so i say be comfortable with who u are and shit if someone bad mouths ur dog, tie the dog up and show that person that its not the dog they should be afraid of. I'm so effing tired of people trying to make everyone happey, fu*k everyone i do what i want to make me and my family happy, one
Damn, I always thought you were a black guy. (LOL) What you just expressed it the epitome of "KEEPING IT REAL". I feel you %100. If someone has a problem with my dog, that's thier problem. I'm not the diplomatic type. (Never was). I feel you on the "tie up the dog" tip too. I'm not a negotiator either.

[bdub]

clothes dont make the person,when will people understand that,i sometimes werar baggy pants clothes,but i play bluegrass and hang out in the woods,im a biker,run around with big bad ass rednecks who dont say a thing about the clothes i wear.as long as im not naked im good .

[Verderben]

I would not change myself to appease the JAs of society ( JA = JackAsses ). When I am at work in my work clothes, training dogs, I have my dog with me ( Bane is my class demo dog ), well trained, pays no mind to anyone and focuses on me listens to hand signals and voice commands ( In 3 languages ) I STILL get the same JA comments that I get when just out and about in my regular clothes, with my spiked collar, tattoos, and piercings. So I really don't think it matters how you look. If you have an APBT you are scum even if you are dressed like a professional. My mom is a school teacher and my dad works for the city ( some kind of boss person in an office downtown ) They look normal, dress professionally all the time, nice house and cars, They still get JA comments when they walk thier dog. SO I really don't think it matters. Thier neighbor once asked my dad how he could have a PIT BULL around the kids like that, blah blah blah, My dad just replied at least our dog has never bit anyone. The neighbors lab had bit 3 children, and had also bit its OWN kids more than once. They eventually had to put it down because it attacked someone really bad.

[Mr Braithwaite]

I understand what the message is in original post and as true as it may be, it is sad that people will stereotype a dog and his owner for their breed, nationality, or appearence whether it be tats, piercings, clothing, etc.
People should just chill out, worry about themselves, perhaps meditate and have some tea!

[Fedor23]

This is something I think about quite often, and after I read the thread with the rapper that Marty posted I figured I might as well post something.

For those of us who don't live and look "the norm" when it comes to Muffy and Buffy's squeaky clean society (ie: the lawmakers and the people who support them), are we hurting our dogs more by simply being ourselves? I mean, if people can't get passed how WE look and act personally and accept us, would they really be able to accept our dogs?

I'm talking about inner city kids who wear clothes that are too big, I'm talking punks with tattoos and piercings everywhere, I'm talking the guy who lives in a trailer and not a house, I'm talking the person with the heavy accent (southern, New York, etc), I'm talking about just about anyone out there!

Personally I fit into the punk description: tattoos, some piercings including a 10 gauge septum which NO ONE can keep their eyes off of, and some people are very rude about. Should I change myself to make the breed look better in the eye of the public? Should any of you change yourselves to make the breed look better? What suggestions do you all have as far as LITTLE things we can do daily to try to chip away at the bad rep that pit bulls (and all breeds affected by BSL) have? maybe I should just put on my 1,000 dollar suit, and walk my pit in the park for people to see not only just thugs own pits, sound like a good idea? :)